What Is Body Image The way individuals Experience

What Is Body Image? The way individuals: Experience and sense their body The way they move Messages they receive about their body The way an individual sees themselves

Why do guys want to “bulk up”? Modern man’s self worth is increasingly tied to how he looks. Ø Today, muscle is considered to be attractive, sexy, and desirable. Ø Muscularity = masculinity. Ø Body remains the last refuge of masculinity. Ø Ø Such a view is common for all age groups, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. (Demaraest & Allen, 2000)

MALE BODY IMAGE “Although emphasis of body image for females is well publicized, according to psychologists it is males who can suffer more from anxiety about the state of their bodies. ”

Types of Negative Body Image Ø Ø 1) Body distortion individual sees inaccurate visual image 2) Body dissatisfaction - a true depiction of body but feel negativity

CULTURAL INFLUENCES Applicable Studies

Analysis: Socioculultral Explanations for Attractiveness(Trent et al, 1996) 3 Parts to comparison: ( 1960 -92) 1) Male model’s body dimensions in the media - more muscular models with the ratio of shoulder to hip girth increased (GQ/ Esquire) Ø 2) The # of health & fitness messages increased a) articles b) advertisements 3) The health & fitness climate - # of health facilities increased

Increasing body dissatisfaction Ø Ø Ø In 1972, only 15% of men were dissatisfied with their body appearance. By 1997, that had almost tripled. ( Kasser, 1997) Distorted body ideals results in a bigger and less attainable goal, men are losing satisfaction and self worth. Studies have shown men and women’s ideal male physique differ significantly. (Derarest& Allen, 2000) Ø Men mistakenly thought women would prefer bulkier/ muscular shapes

Socializing through Action Figures? Ø Ø Ø Unattainable reference body ideals can begin during childhood. Ø Boys : action figures with increasingly distorted geomorphic shapes. ( Pope et al, 1999) This ideal physique is set and children grow up with these unrealistic expectations. Before After

Muscle Dysmorphia/ Reverse Anorexia ( Pope et al, 1993) Ø Ø Ø large and muscular men look in the mirror and want to be bigger. they then work out even harder even take steroids and get even larger. Symptoms : 1)being anxious and depressed about your body/ working out 2) needing to work out every day, often missing school or work to exercise 3)working out to the point of exhaustion.

The Adonis Complex (Pope et al, 2000) Ø Men – desire to have the muscular V-shaped physique. Ø Adonis: the handsome, muscular, mythological Greek god Ø 45% of males are currently dissatisfied with their physiques. Ø Obsessively working out. Ø Dieting with bulimic & anorexic tendencies Ø Injecting testosterone/ synthetic steroids. Ø Lose sight that most males lack the genetic disposition to attain such an ideal. (Remember the 3 body types)

Media’s Influence n n What do we perceive as the ‘ideal’ physique? Such an ideal is developed through the media: Ø Magazines. Ø Newspaper. Ø Television. Ø Movies. Ø Advertising especially

Advertising n n Advertisements tend to convey the idea that appearance is very important, offering a very limited, narrow image of beauty Several companies are producing an ideal body type that is unrealistic for most women & men.

Body Types n n Body types are greatly determined by genetics Somatotyping is a way to assess an individual’s body type. The body type are based on similar characteristics of: slenderness, muscularity, & fatness There are 3 Main Body Types

Ectomorphs (I Shaped) n n n Frail, delicate body structure Thin long arms & legs Fast metabolism Have difficulty putting on lean muscle mass Body type is characteristic of basketball & volleyball players, high jumpers

Endomorph (A Shaped) n n n Soft, round body Short, stocky arms & legs Slow metabolism More body fat around the abdomen Body type is characteristic of sumo wrestlers, shot putters, & offensive lineman

Mesomorph (V Shaped) n n n Hard muscular body Long strong arms & legs Broad shoulders & a thin waist Fast metabolism Easy to put on muscle mass Body type is characteristic of sprinters, bodybuilders, lacrosse players, etc